Which cargo bike is best for you? There are so many electric cargo bike options available that it can be tough for first-timers. Soon you’ll be ordering your new cargo bike from the electric bike manufacturer but before that, you should study a few facts about the different bike styles. We’ve created this comparison to make this choice easier for you. We’ll cover three cargo e-bikes: front-loader, mid-tail, and long tail.
Table of Contents
Front Loader Cargo E-Bike
Front-loader cargo tricycles are the old-school variety of bike: no frills, no bells, no whistles. The front loader consists of one big horizontal flat deck pulled very close to the rider’s legs for better stability.
Front-loaders offer the same convenience as a full-sized bike, with the ability to lift and stow at a moment’s notice. Front-loaders have longer frames to be more stable when carrying loads as well. Front-loaders are versatile because they can be used on their own or pedaled as an extension of your coaster brake bicycle.
Pros
- Can be used as a stand-alone bike
- They can be used with only one person on the bike
- Easy to lift heavy-duty steel frame
- Long frames for more stability(more room for cargo)
- Low maintenance, no gears or shifters no coaster brakes to adjust
Cons
- Heavy and hard to pedal when fully loaded
- Front-loaders do not have breaks on the back wheel, so you have to apply brakes with your feet(backpedals)
- No racks to carry cargo up top; only the front area is available
- Tires are usually smaller than other cargo bikes
- Not made for steep hills and heavy cargo this is a very common problem with front loaders
- Normally, two people need to be used: one rides and the other lifts the deck up for easy stowing. This can be inconvenient in many cases but works well for families who want to work together and get some real exercise.
Midtail Cargo E-Bike
Midtail cargo e-bikes are more like regular bicycles, with the exception of an extra-large rear rack. These bikes feature short but wide frames similar to a city bike.
Midtail cargo bikes offer the same convenience as a full-sized bicycle with added utility because load carrying is done from above instead of from the front or rear. The ability to carry heavier loads than a front-loader and additional under-seat storage makes midtails unique and well-suited for style-conscious riders. Midtails also tend to be less expensive than long tails because they don’t require as much gear.
Pros
Easy to use
- Same convenience as a regular bicycle with the ability to carry heavy loads
- Able to carry heavier loads than front-loaders because cargo is above you and not in front or behind of you
- Sturdy with a solid steel frame
- They’re easy to control when carrying heavy loads because they lean more like a regular bicycle while riding; they lean into the curves
- Good for traveling long distances and carrying lots of gear due to extra under-seat storage space
Cons
- Can be exposed to the elements and weather conditions but this can be offset by considering a bike rack
- The front wheel has to be constantly pedaled(coaster brakes)as opposed to front loaders which do not have a brake on the back wheel
- Requires two people to use one ride and the other lifts up the rear rack with one hand
- A midtail is more difficult to store than a long-tail because of the size of the rear wheel and large rear rack
- Are more expensive than front-loaders.though less expensive than long-tails
Long Tail Cargo E-Bike
The long tail cargo bike is certainly the most distinctive cargo bike you can buy today. The long tail cargo e-bike is more like a tricycle than a bicycle in that the rider sits between two large horizontal decks at the end of a long sturdy frame. The rear deck is lower than the front deck. so the rider’s weight is shifted back and down. This low center of gravity provides superior stability. The low profile makes it possible to carry heavier loads while still maintaining maneuverability through crowded streets or tight spaces.
Since there are many different configurations available on the market, it’s hard to generalize long tails as a whole. However, they have one thing in common -they’re super functional.
Pros
- Extremely functional, with a low center of gravity and low profile
- Can carry more cargo than other cargo bikes which makes it very versatile and useful
- For kids, they’re easier to ride due to the lower center of gravity
- Can carry more gear than mid-tails because they have more under-seat storage space
- Easier to handle than a front-loader because of the lean angle at which you ride them you don’t have to use your feet as much
- Can carry harsher shocks than front loaders and mid-tails, because the load is not directly in front of you, like with mid-tails or long-tails (front loaders do not have shocks)
Cons
- Are more difficult to maneuver through crowded streets and tight spaces
- Are usually harder to carry like a stroller due to the fact that they are lower to the ground with longer frames
- Are more expensive than mid-tails, but cheaper than front-loaders
- There are many different kinds of long-tails so make sure you do your research before buying one
Which One Should I Choose?
The best way to find the right cargo bike is to ride them if you can’t try out a bike in person, have a friend who has one test it out for you. Beyond that here are some guidelines to help you decide:
Know your needs, The easiest way to choose a cargo bike is to consider what you’ll be using it most often. Get a front loader or mid-tail if you already have a bike and want an alternative just for hauling the kids. If mobility and versatility are important, go for the long tail.
Get the right fit before committing to a bike style. Like regular bicycles, each cargo bike requires specific measurements that vary from brand to brand and frame size to frame size(seat tube height standover height), longtails come in varying heights (16″ to 27″), and wheels (20″ to 26″).
Notice what you get for your purchase price. The price of a cargo bike can vary widely depending on various factors, but the price range is more similar among certain bike styles than others. For instance, mid-tail bikes tend to be less expensive, while long tails are more expensive largely because they are customizable and built by hand.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how cargo bikes differ as a category of bicycle you’re ready to go shopping for your next ride. We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of cargo bikes and their purposes so that you can make an informed purchase.
The best cargo bike for you is always going to be the one that suits your lifestyle and fits your budget. The good news is that there are plenty of great options available in the market today. Find what works for you!